Piknic Electronik: Electronic music under the sun

February 27, 2015 — For the last 12 years, Piknic Électronik has been a mandatory Sunday ritual for Montrealers and tourists alike: lovers of minimalist techno, dancers tripping on deep house, picnickers with hungry ears, there’s a place on the grass for everyone.

The Piknic’s mission is to democratize a genre often considered austere, cold, and only accessible to the cognoscenti. With both novices and adepts firmly in mind, each year the organizers serve up a diverse menu ranging from the “traditional” to the adventurous.

Various editions have brought in the accessible sounds of the likes of MSTRKRFT, Bonobo, and Matthew Herbert, alongside the harsher edges of Tim Hecker, Luke Abbott, or Ricardo Villalobos. There’s also plenty of local talent such as Misstress Barbara, Ghislain Poirier, or DJ Champion, who get the chance to show they’re on a par with the biggest international names.

It all happens in Parc Jean-Drapeau on Île Sainte-Hélène, on Place de l’Homme under Alexander Calder’s huge “stabile” sculpture Man, Three Disks. It’s just minutes from downtown by metro, and there’s also access by bike and even by ferry.

The Piknic puts a high priority on respect for the environment, sustainable development, and green initiatives. Recycling, composting, everything is done to make sure the event is as green as possible, raising awareness about more than just music.